July 21-26 county fair planned; concert added to schedule

Though 2020 has been anything but typical so far, fair board members intend to hold the Phillips County Fair as usual. President Kayla Kafka said that they fully expect the fair to proceed as planned, but they will be monitoring the coronavirus situation and will make modifications as needed.

The fair is scheduled to run Tuesday-Sunday, July 21-26, and this year’s theme is “Barn in the USA.” One of the big changes to the schedule is a Sunny Ledfurd concert at the grandstands Friday night. A poll taken after the 2019 fair showed that most people wanted a concert included in the fair lineup, Kafka said, and the board listened.

Also added this year is a full-fledged carnival that will run Wednesday-Saturday and a pet show on Saturday. Joining other similar events, a catch-it sheep contest will be included this year as well.

Many of the usual favorites will be returning to the Phillips County Fair, but folks should note some changes to which day they’re held. The 4-H/FFA horse show is now Tuesday afternoon in the pavilion. Barrel racing is Wednesday night, and the ranch rodeo is Thursday night, both at the grandstands.

Other events scheduled throughout the week are the Thrashers Rocky Mountain oyster dinner and cornhole tournament Wednesday night, the Dutch oven cook-off Thursday, and horseshoe pitching and a barbecue Friday. Saturday will feature the parade led by grand marshals Gale and Pat Wiebers, followed by kids games, the Orphan Grain Train brat feed, horseshoe pitching, the junior livestock sale and Bulls Gone Wild. The week will wrap up with a community church service Sunday morning.